What pelvic radiation disease symptoms are experienced by patients receiving external beam radiotherapy and a high-dose-rate brachytherapy boost for prostate cancer?

Abstract

PurposeResearch describing proctitis or pelvic radiation disease symptoms of prostate cancer patients one year after external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) plus high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy is limited. This study aimed to assess prostate cancer patients’ pelvic radiation disease symptoms from baseline to 12 months post-radiotherapy.Material and methodsMen with prostate cancer referred for EBRT and HDR brachytherapy were recruited. Patients’ age, diagnosis, staging, PSA, past medical history, and treatment were recorded. Pelvic radiation disease symptoms were assessed via the Phase III EORTC proctitis module. Patients completed questionnaires before radiotherapy (baseline) and at one, three, six, and 12 months afterwards. To assess acute toxicity, symptoms one month after radiotherapy were compared with baseline. To assess post-treatment recovery, symptoms at three, six, and 12 months post radiotherapy were compared with one month. Symptom changes over time were assessed with linear mixed effect models.ResultsTwo hundred and sixty-six patients were recruited. Mean scores were below 2 at all time-points. The proportion of patients experiencing symptoms were also calculated. Linear mixed effect models showed that time-point, age, and T-stage were associated with some pelvic radiation disease symptoms.ConclusionsPatients receiving EBRT plus HDR brachytherapy to the prostate experienced mild pelvic radiation disease symptoms. Determining the proportion of patients with symptoms provided the most meaningful data.

Lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with prostate cancer under and after intensity‐modulated radiation therapy

“…In the present study, patients with prostate cancer reported a high incidence of various urinary symptoms, such as acute toxicity due to IMRT, and exhibited adaptable self‐care actions so they could maintain daily activities. Our findings correspond with those of previous studies . Participants in the present study preferred to use public transport services (82.8%), providing easy access to restrooms for better self‐care.…”

“…The findings of the present study correspond to those of previous reports focusing on patients with prostate cancer during and after IMRT, in which patients undergoing IMRT for prostate cancer developed symptoms after radiotherapy . Furthermore, urinary symptoms and QoL changed during and after IMRT.…”

Hypofractionated external beam radiation therapy in combination with HDR boost for localized prostate cancer: patient reported quality of life outcomes

“…Furthermore, this group was found to have a longer time to distant metastasis compared to the EBRT and ADT and radical prostatectomy groups. Moreover, acceptable toxicity rates have been shown using this approach [ 20 , 21 ]. These results have led to a push for combination treatment in those with NCCN high-risk prostate cancer, along with select intermediate risk patients.…”